Kodak PlayFull videocam begets fun

MANILA, Philippines - Anyone with a mobile phone can now takes photos and videos, but a few can do it under water or in the rain. True there are cellphones built to take a dip with you, but those are more the exceptions rather than the rule.

That is why outdoorsy people who still prefer having a dedicated video camera probably nodded in approval when Kodak introduced its Playfull waterproof video camera. This itsy-bitsy video camera not only can stand the elements, it also takes quality pictures and videos in high-definition.

When Cisco Systems pulled the plug on its once-popular Flip Video camera citing strong competition from smartphones, the practicality of a single-purpose camcorder that boasts of easy shoot-and-share functions became debatable.

But as it turns out, it still holds value for many people who want a really portable video camera that is a no-brainer to operate. By making it waterproof and fully HD-capable, Kodak has managed to rejuvenate this product segment enough to get its target users excited again.

So what can this gizmo, the size of a credit card, exactly do? On a full-charge battery and with a 32GB SD card, the Kodak PlayFull waterproof video camera can record almost half a day’s worth of HD video. By Kodak’s estimate, one can record an average of 20-minute video per 1GB at 720p HD at 30 fps (frame per second). The images can also be manipulated to appear in black-and-white, sepia, muted colors, slightly greenish cast, or a little grainy for a retro look.

The Kodak PlayFull video camera being waterproof, dustproof and sun-proof makes it well optimized for Philippine weather, which is either wet or dry. It won’t be a problem at all to stick it out in the rain to capture still or motion picture or to dive with it in the pool or in the sea as it is waterproof and can go up to 10 feet underwater for up to two hours. It has an underwater correction mode to avoid color degradation of photos and videos. I have taken it for a swim and happily recorded my beagle pup’s aqua adventure in true-to-life colors.

In addition, the Kodak PlayFull video camera has an anti-glare shield mode to protect its two-inch LCD screen from direct sunlight. This means one can use it to shoot and preview images clearly either indoors or outdoors. I’m not happy with the lilliputian screen though and wish they could push down at the edge of the unit all the function keys (like the way it’s done in smartphones today) so they could probably fit it with a more decent-sized screen.

Speaking of function keys, I find that there’s a noticeable delay from the time I press the Kodak PlayFull’s preview button to when the screen shows the next image on record. This is quite the opposite experience when one is viewing photos from a touch-screen device devoid of physical hardware buttons and has image files scrolling so fast so you must go easy thumbing the screen. Can the next iterations of mini video cameras sport touch screen as well?

Because we all accidentally drop our gadgets once in awhile, the Kodak PlayFull video camera gets another plus for being drop-proof. Unfortunately, I’m too chicken to try dropping it from the guaranteed five-foot range, so I will just take Kodak’s word for it.

With its built-in USB cable and micro HDMI port, the Kodak PlayFull video camera allows for quick uploading of photos and videos to any social networking sites or viewing on an HDTV set. I hate to compare it with the defunct Flip but that one in my opinion had a better USB design that conveniently docks in and out of its side when needed. Kodak PlayFull’s USB has to be taken in and out of the unit and has a really short cable that seems to me can precariously snap out if you accidentally pull it hard. I also don’t like having the cover dangling out while the USB is connected and charging from a computer.

I do like, however, how the Kodak PlayFull can quickly change from camera to video mode, that it is small enough to be carried in the pocket or purse, and it’s ruggedly built. It’s really handy to have around the house and always within reach when something worthy to be recorded comes up. I also like having a device like this in the car when fleeting scenes cannot wait for me to fumble inside my bag for a digital camera or set my phone in camera or video mode.

All in all, I think the Kodak PlayFull waterproof video camera is a keeper until a better one comes along.